The Hebrew proper name Piçpâh, represented by H6462, identifies an Israelite individual. It appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in scripture. The name's definition is possibly "dispersion," and its sole use is to name Pispah as a person within a genealogy.
The biblical context for H6462 is limited to a single genealogical entry. In this record, Pispah is listed as one of "the sons of Jether" alongside his brothers Jephunneh and Ara 1 Chronicles 7:38. The name serves exclusively to identify this individual within his family line, providing a specific data point in the chronicling of Israel's tribes.
Several related words from its only context help establish Pispah's identity:
- H1121 bên (a son): This word establishes the direct familial relationship between Pispah and his father. It is used throughout scripture to denote lineage and generational connection, as seen with the "sons of Jacob" Malachi 3:6 or the "sons of Korah" Psalms 46:1.
- H3500 Yether (Jether, the name of five or six Israelites and of one Midianite): This is the name of Pispah's father, placing him within a specific family unit 1 Chronicles 7:38.
- H3312 Yᵉphunneh (he will be prepared; Jephunneh, the name of two Israelites): This is the name of Pispah's brother, listed in the same verse. The name is also known as that of Caleb's father Numbers 13:6.
- H690 ʼărâʼ (probably for אֲרִי; lion; Ara, an Israelite): This is the name of Pispah's other brother, mentioned alongside him in the genealogy of Jether 1 Chronicles 7:38.
The significance of H6462 is not derived from direct theological statements but from its inclusion within the biblical genealogies.
- Preservation of Lineage: Its sole appearance serves to record Pispah as a member of the tribe, contributing to the comprehensive genealogies in 1 Chronicles that trace the lineage of Israel.
- Historical Record: The mention of individuals like Pispah is part of the detailed historical accounting that is a key feature of the biblical chronicles, establishing familial identity and succession.
- Individual in the Community: While not a central figure, Pispah's inclusion demonstrates the Bible's attention to detail in chronicling the specific people who constituted the nation of Israel.
In summary, H6462 is the proper name Piçpâh, and its biblical role is confined to a single mention in a genealogical list. Its importance lies not in any abstract concept but in its function as a historical marker identifying an individual within the family of Jether 1 Chronicles 7:38. The name illustrates the scriptural practice of meticulously preserving lineage, showing how the larger narrative of a nation is grounded in the recorded lives of its individual members and families.
TRV